"It's an opportunity to see what's out there. It's an opportunity to sell your program." -- Ken Holland

DETROIT – The Detroit Red Wings, over the next few days, will get a good idea of which free agents are interested in joining them and what it will take to sign them.

The NHL's free-agent interview period begins on Wednesday and Red Wings general manager Ken Holland plans to reach out to the representatives of many players scheduled to hit the market on Tuesday.

"It's an opportunity to let them know we have interest and to tell them how they would fit in on our team," Holland said. "It's an opportunity to see what's out there. It's an opportunity to sell your program."

The Red Wings' top priority is a top-four defenseman, preferably a right-handed shooter. Holland said he would like to acquire a top-six forward as well.

This is the second year for this interview period, which was written into the new collective bargaining agreement. One significant change from last year is that teams can discuss general parameters of a contract. They still can't make an offer or reach an agreement until Tuesday.

"I like it," Holland said. "It's excellent for the player.

"(Before) you'd get to noon on July 1 and the player and team would have to make a decision in an hour or two."

Several right-handed shooting defensemen are expected to be available, including Pittsburgh's Matt Niskanen, who's at the head of the class. Given his age (27) and breakout season (46 points), he likely will command a long-term deal worth upwards of $6 million per season.

That likely is more money and term than the Red Wings are willing to invest in a player with a limited track record.

Holland didn't rule out re-signing Kyle Quincey after other avenues have been explored (including trades). But Quincey likely will see what's available in the market.

The list of forwards scheduled to become free agents includes Thomas Vanek (Montreal), Paul Stastny (Colorado), Ryan Callahan (Tampa Bay), Marian Gaborik (Los Angeles), Matt Moulson (Minnesota), Jarome Iginla (Boston), Brad Richards (Rangers), Mike Cammalleri (Calgary) and Jussi Jokinen (Pittsburgh). Some are sure to re-sign with their current club in the next few days.

If Iginla doesn't return to the Bruins, expect the Red Wings to make a pitch for the right-handed shooting winger who scored 30 goals last season and turns 37 on Tuesday.

The Red Wings have 18 players signed for roughly $54 million, including the $3 million from bonuses for Daniel Alfredsson, Danny DeKeyser and Tomas Tatar that carry over from last season. That leaves about $16 million under the projected salary cap of approximately $70 million. They still need to sign restricted free agents DeKeyser, Tatar and Riley Sheahan.

"Ideally, we'll make a move on the back end and add one more forward," Holland said. "We're going to wait until June 30 to see if we're going to do anything with our guys."